Rexford Unveiled: Sarah Tromley’s Journey of Vulnerability and Empowerment in “Clear My Heart”
Welcome to an intimate exploration with Rexford, formerly known as Sarah Tromley, as she unveils her latest musical and cinematic endeavor, “Clear My Heart.” In this exclusive interview, we delve into Rexford’s transformative journey, capturing her raw emotions and authentic narrative through her deeply personal new EP and the accompanying award-winning short film, REXFORD. With tracks that navigate the complex terrains of love, loss, and self-discovery, and a poignant focus on challenging societal stigmas through her music, Rexford invites us to a soul-stirring experience that promises to resonate deeply with fans and new listeners alike. Join us as we uncover the layers behind her artistry and the personal stories that fuel her creative fire.
Follow Rexford @sarahtrom
Hi Sarah, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I am from Portland, OR.
I grew up in choir and musicals—singing was always comforting for me. My mom says I could sing before I could talk. I was very shy growing up (ok maybe I still am.)
Being on stage was the one place I felt confident—on stage you can be whoever you want to be. I think I found myself and got to know myself during those beautiful moments, singing a solo on stage or performing in the musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
Describe your sound in three words.
Alt, indie, pop.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
My dad always encouraged music growing up. Current day, Billie Eilish and Lennon Stella are big influences for my music—and for production style, Bon Iver is always in my inspiration playlists. I chose to make music because writing is my favorite therapy.
My current EP, Clear My Heart is a collection of songs that were inspired from my journal and poems or letters I wrote to friends and family.
Do you play any instruments?
My voice is my instrument! But I am learning guitar and piano!
Tell us about your new EP, Clear My Heart.
Clear My Heart came to life while doing my artist re-brand.
The emergence of Rexford marks a moment in my career where I am pulling from deep within. Writing from a space of truth and raw power in order to share the fullness of my entire life with my fans. Marrying the essence of then and the spirit of now, I’m not running away from the moments that shaped me but instead embracing the scars that made me. Rising from the bricks and rubble of broken structures to being present in this current state of “home.” My new artist name, Rexford, is a symbolic representation of the place that allowed me to grow. In my home on Rexford Drive, I created Clear My Heart. A lot of the poems and letters I wrote as therapy were turned into lyrics and shaped the songs of my EP. To clear your heart is to set free the things we hold onto that are in turn holding us back in life. Putting out these songs set me and my inner child free.
What’s your favorite song off the EP?
My favorite song off the EP would be “Meet You Again”. “Meet You Again” is the hero song for my short film, Rexford.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
“Meet You Again” is one of the most personal songs I have written. I had a miscarriage a few years ago and it hit me really hard. I wrote a letter to myself, and to my baby. And from those words, “Meet You Again” was born. I contemplated not sharing my story, but I want women to have a song to connect to and know they are not alone. “Wish I could hold you and say everything’s okay. It’s not. But I’ll live another day. And maybe on the way, I’ll get to meet you again”.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this EP? How did the idea come to life? How involved were you in the production and arrangement?
Clear My Heart is my story; Rexford’s story. I created Rexford to create an area of separation between myself and my music.
Growing up, I was so shy. But when I would get on stage to sing or act, I had this unexpected confidence. I found that on stage you could be whoever you want to be, and so I created Rexford. Writing as Rexford, I am able to tap into the rawness and truth of my life and the stories I want to tell. Rexford is the PNW version of myself. Rex is a girl’s girl. She is into natural orange wines, biohacking, skincare and slow mornings. She is a hopeless romantic but takes no shit from boys. She stands up for herself and what she believes in.
Okay, back to the EP…
I found out I have Lyme disease a few years ago and it really made me slow down my life and press “pause.” The one thing Lyme taught me, was that healing is not just about the physical (body). For me to truly get on the right path on my healing journey with Lyme disease, I had to sit with myself, look in the mirror, and heal my inner demons. I had to learn to love myself and start prioritizing “me” and so I could “clear my heart.” I was very involved in the whole creative process of my EP—from the songwriting to bringing inspiration for production ideas.
I think the beauty of being a creative is there are no new ideas; but so many ways to make ideas your own and put your own personal spin on it. I love the team I have cultivated. When in the studio, the most important thing to me is trust and vibe. I am so lucky to have found a group of talented individuals, whom I trust to my core, to create magic with. Without the trust there truly would not be a safe space to share some of my deepest and most vulnerable stories. In those intimate moments, ego goes out the door and you can truly weave together words to create songs that are from the heart. My new EP is called, Clear My Heart because these songs had to be written to be set free. Writing and releasing music is so therapeutic.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
I usually come to a songwriting session with a pretty clear idea of what I want to write about. I will bring in literal letters, text messages, poems, journal entries—and my songbirds help me turn those stories into songs. Then we create an idea for production, usually with piano or guitar. To me, the production is how you can tell which decade a song is from, but the words/lyrics should be timeless.
Now tell us about claiming the awards “Best Women Short” and “Best Original Song” at Indie Short Fest. That’s amazing!
Thank you!! I had this awesome experience on a movie set in November of 2022.
Being on set was so exciting and very childlike. I had a small role in a feature film called, “Break” (that comes out in theaters April 26th!!). Bringing my character Abby to life reminded me a bit of my re-brand—I had to get to know myself again while creating Rexford…and then a lightbulb went off— “why don’t I create a short film to help my fans get to know the new me and I can have my EP be the soundtrack?!” So, I did it! A few weeks later, my short film, “Rexford”, was born. It was such an honor to work with the amazing and talented team that I had with me on set. I submitted my film to some indie short film festivals and am flattered that we were recognized. My song, “Meet You Again,” won “Best Original Song!”
“Meet You Again” is the hero song for the film—there is a performance scene, and it will be released as my music video.
How would your best friend describe you?
I like to think I am a good listener—I enjoy being a sound board for a lot of my girlfriends.
I also think I tend to be the “mom” of the group—I love to host dinner parties and plan trips. I am big on birthdays and writing “thank you” notes. My girlfriends are very special and important to me—I have been really lucky to have cultivated an awesome girl squad in LA. My best friend in the world is my sister, Megan. She is 14 months older than me. And we tell each other everything. She is my rock.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I would say I am a good mix of “Brentwood Mom” and “PNW chick”.
I love vintage shopping—currently searching for the perfect vintage Chanel suit from 1994 (my birth year). I also live on Pinterest—I have so many private boards I create for various photoshoots—I get a lot of inspiration from the 90s; Angelina Jolie, Cindy Crawford, Mazzy Star, Liv Tyler…the list goes on. Current day, I take a lot of notes from random IG babes & Elsa Hosk!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Joni Mitchell—she is a living icon. Her music is so inspirational to me. The way her lyrics weave together carefully like a blanket your grandma made you—so comforting and close to home.
What would be your dream holiday/vacation, and who would you go with?
It’s the company for me—anywhere with my boyfriend.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
“My Boo” – Usher
Where can we follow you on social media?
IG: @sarahtrom
TIKTOK: @sarahtromley
YOUTUBE: @sarahtromley
What’s next for Rexford in 2024?
More music! More shows! Keep an ear out for my music in film & television.
FAVORITES:<
Book: “The Giving Tree” – Shel Silverstein
Quote: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” – Gandhi
I truly believe everything happens for a reason and nothing good comes easy.
It takes many years to build a reputation and one second to ruin one.
Be kind to everyone; you never know who may be your boss one day.
Movie: “The Holiday” & any Nancy Meyers film.
Album: “Folklore” – Taylor Swift
Favorite Food: Anything homecooked & made with love
Travel Destination: Paris or Capri
Sports Team: Notre Dame (college football) GO IRISH!